Instruction: Paradox of Discipleship

Instruction: Paradox of Discipleship

•A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church

False Gospels abound today.  Billions are faithful “disciples” to these

*Gospel of Getting – God is a cosmic vending machine, a utilitarian genie that is at the beck and call of man to answer every desire.

*Gospel of Health & Wealth – Every believer should be healthy and prosperous or he simply does not have enough faith.

*Gospel of Religion – Doing spiritual deeds to win favor and blessing of God.  Baptism, giving, rituals, prayers, candles, rites, communion, attending church, taking the pastor out for dinner.

*Gospel of the Golden Rule – charitable deeds, Mother Teresa’s children, green living and hugging trees

*Gospel of Self-Esteem – Self-love, self-satisfaction, elevating self-image that appeals to ma’s natural narcissism and

I.        CONDITIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP
    A.        DESIRE TO FOLLOW
    Matthew 16:24a Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me”
          1.         DIRECTION
2.         OBJECT = “Me”
          3.         SAME MESSAGE

    B.        DENIAL OF SELF
    Matthew 16:24b “let him deny himself
           1.        SELF-DENIAL v DENYING SELF
          2.         INDULGE SELF
                    Remember, Jesus made “deny himself” equal with “take up his cross”

    C.        DETERMINATION TO DIE
    Matthew 16:24btake up his cross
          1.         DO THE SAME AS JESUS
          2.         NO MILD EUPHEMISM

    D.        DECISION HOW TO WALK
    Matthew 16:24b “and follow Me.”
          1.         WHERE TO WALK
          2.         DEAD AND YET ALIVE

II.       CONTRADICTION OF DISCIPLESHIP
A.        DYING TO LIVE
             1.         WILLING TO DIE
                        Matthew 16:25a “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it
             2.         GOING TO DIE
                  Matthew 16:25b “but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it”

    B. LIVING TO DIE
          1.         QUESTION 1
                      Matthew 16:26a “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
          2.         QUESTION 2
                     Matthew 16:26b “Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”